Top News:
Sports Illustrated:
Heyman: A-Rod discussing deal with Yankees — Record contract approaching $300 million discussed — In a surprise twist, Alex Rodriguez and the New York Yankees are discussing a deal that seems likely to put the superstar third baseman back in pinstripes.
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Dan Graziano / NJ.com:
Yankees still interested in Lowell — The Yankees still remain interested in signing free-agent Mike Lowell, even though they're apparently bringing back Alex Rodriguez to play third base. — The trick is that they'd have to talk Lowell, a career third baseman, into moving across the diamond to play first base.
Peter Abraham / The LoHud Yankees Blog:
A-Rod slips leash and returns to Yanks — In what was a bad day for the Scott Boras Corporation, Alex Rodriguez went to the Yankees directly and apparently has all but finalized a 10-year, $275 million deal. — It took 32 years and nationwide scorn but it seems A-Rod is finally his own man.
MLB.com:
Yanks, A-Rod close to multi-year deal — New contract would pay slugger as much as $290 million — NAPLES, Fla. — The New York Yankees are getting close to re-signing third baseman Alex Rodriguez to a multi-year contract that would pay him as much as $290 million, multiple baseball sources told MLB.com …
Ed Price / New Jersey Online:
A-Rod could return to the Yankees — Alex Rodriguez may be headed back to the Yankees. — The third baseman said on his Web site this afternoon that he reached out to the Yankees through mutual friends to discuss remaining with the team. — "After spending time with Cynthia (Rodriguez) …
New York Times:Rodriguez Talks to Yankees Without Agent
Discussion:
NY Daily News, New York Post, FanHouse, The MLB Source, Deadspin, The GYS Network and WasWatching.com
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:Excluding Boras would violate agreement
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NY Daily News:Yankees set to bring A-Rod back - on their terms
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Denver Post:
Torrealba close to deal with Mets — Catcher Yorvit Torrealba, a lynchpin in the Rockies' drive to the World Series, is zeroing in on a three-year offer from the New York Mets worth as much as $15 million. — Torrealba's agent, Melvin Roman, said tonight that he expects Torrealba to make his decision by Thursday.
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Tracy Ringolsby / Rocky Mountain News:
Torrealba looking for 3-year deal — The agent for catcher Yorvit Torrealba is trying to leverage multi-team interest in his client into a three-year contract. — The Rockies are interested in re-signing Torrealba, but their proposal was two years for $7 million.
Discussion:
Mets Merized Online
Adam Rubin / NY Daily News:
Mets eye Yorvit Torrealba as Ramon Castro stays — Ramon Castro wrapped up a two-year deal yesterday to remain a Met, and looks forward to pairing with Yorvit Torrealba behind the plate, provided the organization completes an agreement for that free-agent catcher today.
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:Mets eyeing Torrealba-Castro combo
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New York Post, The Musings and Prophecies …, SILive, MetsBlog.com, Al's Ramblings, ShysterBall and Blastings! Thrilledge
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Glavine closer to returning to Braves — LIKE THIS STORY? — Tom Glavine's return to the Braves is getting closer. — Glavine's agent, Gregg Clifton, met Wednesday with Braves general manager Frank Wren over lunch in Phoenix, and Wren reiterated his desire for Glavine to rejoin the team.
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Ben Shpigel / New York Times:
Mets Say They'll Pay to Acquire Top Pitcher — Omar Minaya left the general managers' meetings last week with a pretty good understanding of how to improve the Mets. He has an idea of how much money it will take to sign his desired free-agent targets. And he knows which prospects …
Discussion:
ShysterBall
Anthony Castrovince / MLB.com:
Wedge named AL's top manager — Fifth-year skipper rewarded following Indians' postseason run — CLEVELAND — The American League Manager of the Year Award, in principle alone, is not an honor that suits Eric Wedge. — After all, Wedge is the guy who refuses to even walk into fair territory …
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Lisa Winston / MLB.com:
Fuld wins Stenson Award — Cubs prospect overcame juvenile diabetes on way to Majors — It was just a brief encounter, a preteen boy meeting a Major League veteran. But it was a moment that Chicago Cubs outfield prospect Sam Fuld has never forgotten. — Fuld, just 12 at the time …
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
Tim Tucker / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Braves appear to be flush with cash — Team CEO says they will spend 'many millions more' on player payroll — The Braves appear to have plenty of money to spend this shopping season. — Team owner Liberty Media revealed in a financial report filed this week that the Braves had robust revenue and cash flow last season.
Discussion:
ShysterBall
Mark Newman / MLB.com:
'Take Me Out' turns 100 — MLB to commence 2008 season with celebration of song — "Baseball Today — Polo Grounds." — Jack Norworth, a songwriter and Vaudeville performer, saw that sign while riding a New York subway in 1908. Although not a baseball fan himself at the time …
Discussion:
Catfish Stew
Mike Fitzpatrick / Associated Press:
Torre thinks Rivera will stay with Yanks — NEW YORK (AP) — Joe Torre figures Mariano Rivera will end up staying with the Yankees. If not, the Los Angeles Dodgers' new manager has an open spot waiting in his bullpen. — "Anybody who doesn't want him is crazy. Let's put it that way," Torre said Wednesday evening.
Discussion:
MY BASEBALL BIAS
Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Trip to Japan highlights '08 schedule — Red Sox will host Tigers to open first homestand on April 8 — BOSTON — The World Series champion Boston Red Sox will begin their 2008 season in Tokyo and end it in a far more familiar setting — at Fenway Park against the New York Yankees.
Discussion:
SOX1FAN
